In recognition of World Biodiversity Day 2026 and its global theme, “Acting locally for global impact,” Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), alongside government and community partners, today celebrated the completion of the West Gap Creek Restoration Project in Grand Bahama — a major milestone in restoring natural tidal flow, strengthening coastal resilience, and supporting The Bahamas’ national biodiversity commitments.
The project successfully reopened tidal exchange between the ocean, mangrove systems, and inland
flats ecosystems at West Gap Creek, restoring critical habitat connectivity that supports bonefish,
juvenile tarpon, marine life, mangrove regeneration, and nearby coastal communities.b More than a construction project, the restoration represents a long-term investment in the environmental and economic future of Grand Bahama.
Officials say the project’s success also reinforces the direct relationship between environmental health
and economic opportunity in The Bahamas, particularly on islands like Grand Bahama, where marine
resources, tourism, and fisheries play a major role in livelihoods and community well-being. The
restoration effort also highlights the growing importance of integrating environmental resilience into
national infrastructure and development planning.
Charlene Collie of the Project Implementation Unit in the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs
said: “This project highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the
planning and design of grey and green infrastructure. Restoring natural hydrology not only benefits
biodiversity but also improves coastal resilience and long-term sustainability for surrounding communities. This project is an example of what can happen when government agencies, environmental
organizations, and local communities work together toward a common goal. We look forward to continuing these kinds of high-impact partnerships for the benefit of Bahamians and future generations.”
Toni Hudson-Bannister, Acting Officer in Charge in the Ministry of Works & Family Island Affairs, Grand
Bahama Office, confirmed that “All works have been satisfactorily completed with no concerns or
reservations and approves for this project to be closed out in good standing with all relevant stakeholders. Restoring tidal flow at West Gap Creek strengthens our natural systems while also creating
lasting benefits for Grand Bahama residents, fishermen, guides, and future generations who depend on
healthy coastal environments.”
Danielle Hanek, Acting Director of the Forestry Unit at the Ministry of the Environment & Natural
Resources, said: “We can’t eat mangroves, but we need mangroves to eat — and that is exactly why
projects like West Gap Creek matter. Restoring tidal flow means restoring the estuaries where our
bonefish, snapper, grouper, conch, and crawfish begin their lives. What makes this project particularly
significant is that it represents a point of synergy — where the work of multiple agencies, partners, and
mandates converges toward a common national goal. Through the Blocked Creeks Research Project, the
Forestry Unit is working with partners to advance initiatives to unblock and restore the proper functions
of our creek and mangrove systems across the Family Islands.”
Importantly, the project demonstrates how local restoration efforts can contribute to larger national
and global environmental goals. The Bahamas has committed to ambitious biodiversity targets under
the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including restoring degraded ecosystems and
advancing the global “30×30” conservation target by 2030.
Rashema Ingraham, Caribbean Program Director for BTT, said: “Restoring tidal flow means restoring life.
Reopening these creeks improves water quality, supports mangrove recovery, strengthens fish habitat,
and reconnects the natural systems that sustain Grand Bahama’s flats fishery and coastal communities.
West Gap Creek is an important milestone, and we are excited to continue this work with future
restoration efforts, including August Creek.”
The work at West Gap Creek is part of a broader vision to restore Grand Bahama’s historic creek systems
and improve ecological connectivity across the island.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust thanks the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, local government
representatives, project contractors, community partners, and supporters for their contributions to the
project’s successful completion. The completion of West Gap Creek represents not just the end of a
project, but the continuation of a broader restoration effort aimed at strengthening Grand Bahama’s
coastal ecosystems one creek at a time.
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